A prominent Tasmanian businessman will be remembered by many for his dedication to his community and his great sense of humour. Michael Kent AM died in the early hours of Thursday morning. Mr Kent was well-known for his positions as head of supermarket chain Purity, and later Woolworths in Tasmania. He was chair of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was also Glamorgan Spring Bay mayor from 2014 to 2018, and was re-elected as councillor in October. Current mayor Debbie Wisby said Mr Kent would be missed. “I’ve known Michael, and been pretty close to Michael, for the past 11 years,” she said. “Michael moved to the East Coast because he loved the area and the people. “He loved the mateship up here, and he just fitted in really well. “He made some really close friends and was really well respected. “He did make a significant contribution to the area, in respect to building a business and being on council and Chamber of Commerce.” Cr Wisby said Mr Kent was a very likeable and funny person. “He had a really good sense of humour, and that’s the way I remember him,” she said. “On Monday, we were both laughing on the phone. “That’s my last conversation with Michael, and it’s one I’ll remember forever.” Cr Wisby said her thoughts were with Mr Kent’s family. “He’ll be sadly missed - of course by his family, but by the community also,” she said. Tasmanian politicians also shared their condolences and their memories of Mr Kent on social media. Premier Will Hodgman said his thoughts were with Mr Kent’s family and friends. “Michael Kent was unquestionably a man of passion, vision and conviction,” he said. “He made a remarkable contribution to our state, and to the lives of many Tasmanians. “I always enjoyed catching up, and there was so much more we agreed on that not.” Lyons Labor MHR Brian Mitchell sent his condolences to Mr Kent’s family. Mr Mitchell said he was “a fine community servant who always told it straight and stood up for what he believed in”. “He’ll be much missed on my coffee stops in Orford - I always enjoyed chatting with him,” Mr Mitchell said. Prosser Liberal MLC Jane Howlett said her thoughts and condolences were with Mr Kent’s family and friends. “Michael was a true Tasmanian patriot who always put the interest of Tasmania first, serving his community to the very end,” she said. Jacqui Lambie Network leader Jacqui Lambie said Mr Kent was a great Tasmanian who would be sadly missed.